The words that broke across headlines this weekend left families in shock and despair: fewer than 20 of the 50 hostages in Gaza may still be alive.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump stated:
“So now they have 20, but the 20 is actually probably not 20 because a couple of them are not around any longer.”
His remarks were quickly contradicted by Israel’s hostage envoy, Gal Hirsch, who clarified:
“According to the information we have, there is no change in the number of living hostages. Twenty of the hostages are alive, two are in grave danger for their lives, 28 are no longer alive and have been declared deceased.”
Every Hostage Is a World
The families responded with anguish:
“Mr. President, there are 50 hostages. For us, each and every one of them is a world in itself.”
Their protest is not political. It is a cry of humanity. For nearly two years, loved ones have lived in limbo, waiting for the phone call, the news update, the miracle that their husband, wife, child, or parent will come home.
The Stakes of Truth
At a time when Israel is preparing a large-scale operation in Gaza City, these hostages are at the center of impossible choices. Military action may be faster. Negotiations may be safer. And yet — as Israeli officials themselves admitted:
“There are no magic solutions. If we want to bring back the hostages, we can do that now.”
But will the world act? Will leaders find the courage to put the hostages first, before politics, before optics, before convenience?
A Call to Modern-Day Esthers
For Modern-Day Esthers, the choice is clear: we cannot let the hostages fade into statistics. We cannot let despair replace hope. Each life is a world, created in God’s image.
So we pray. We speak. We demand action. And we remind our leaders that delay costs lives.
“There are no magic solutions” — but there is faith, courage, and persistence. Esther stood in the gap for her people. Will we do the same for the hostages?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, we lift up the 50 hostages still in Gaza. Comfort their families in their anguish. Strengthen Israel’s leaders with wisdom and courage to act decisively. And stir the hearts of nations to demand their release, unconditionally and without delay. Amen.
